Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Hopefully that wicked power-outage weather is behind us. Otherwise, you might be like SUPERGOODMUSIC and get stuck with your car locked in a garage and fail to make it out to the show you were trying to go to.

Assuming we don't find ourselves in that predicament again, here is what we were thinking about going to see....

Rakim, The Postman and Rhymefest will be performing at El Rey. Rakim just happens to be a fucking hip-hop legend and it would seem a disservice to not witness this emperor of hip-hop in your lifetime if you consider yourself a fan of the genre. I cannot vouch for his performing ability as the last time I saw him was almost a decade ago. Nonetheless, he did campaign with Erik B for President in the 80s and then reminded us that he was back ("Guess Who's Back?") in the mid 90's. See what he is cooking up in 2009 if you'd like by checking him out tonight at El Rey. The supporting artists are also pretty famous in their own right - Rhymefest penned Kanye West's "Jesus Walks" and later released an album featuring the underground hit "Brand New"; The Postman is some LA based hip-hop talent who I have yet to see.

If you want to brave the outdoors and see a fantastic concert, I'd suggest Regina Spektor at the Greek Theatre. I've only heard great things about her performance and her music is easy-listening. Jupiter Rising is supporting.

For the indier crowd, and for my tastes, I'm recommending Soulico from Tel Aviv at Spaceland. The worldly, eclectic soul and hip-hop influenced vibes will resonate well with the diverse melting pot crowd that the hipster region of Los Angeles provides. Plus, it would be a mitzvah to show some love for people who've travelled so far to bring their tasty tunes to the states.

For those Phish heads who came 2 days early - there is a Phish tribute band, One Night Only, at Brennan's in Marina Del Rey.

If none of those recs tickle your fancy, than here is a full line-up of what is going on around town tonight, Wednesday October 28th....

Sunday, October 25, 2009

So, we didn't dose you on a daily basis because you all could've gotten that information from the CONCERT BLAST....and we're hoping you read it. You can sign up for it on www.supergoodmusic.com and then you will get it in your inbox every Monday.

Anyhow, here is what is going on in Los Angeles tonight. I'll be honest...we didn't do the homework to give you a solid recommendation. Attend at your own risk.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

As RCA told you earlier, The Sounds will be playing at The Wiltern tonight. On the heels of a performance that Ryan described, you'd be silly not to see them if you have the time and the loot (I believe you can still get a ticket).

Echo and Echoplex are both cooking something good in the indie kitchen - some shoegazing psychedelic rock from the North by the names of the Thee Oh Sees and The Fresh & Onlys are descending upon the Echo and a little bit brighter indie downstairs at the larger Echoplex where Liam Finn, is performing fresh from Ann Arbor, where he played with Wilco, and playing on the same stage will be The 88 and Jason Lytle. Check out "Second Chance" and some of his other tunes on his myspace page here.

For a unique and eclectic mix of music, check out Boom D spinning downstairs at the Key Club, with his other Cleveland homie J Brains, for Paz's event. Swollen Members will be upstairs popping hip-hop heads in the main room.

If you want to get soulful - check out the El Rey where the veteran MeShell N'dgeocello is being supported by rising R & B artist J*Davey.

Sometimes the best decisions in life are made in an instant, and although that may sound a little dramatic, but it completely encompasses how I feel about last night.At the very last possible moment, I decided to buy tickets to see one of my favorite bands The Sounds, as they played the first night of a two-night residency at The Wiltern.

Last night marked the sixth time that I have seen The Sounds and I would have to say that it was the best that I have ever seen them.With the release of their third album Crossing The Rubicon, the sounds now have a fantastic catalog that makes for an amazing live show.If you’re a fan, you won’t be disappointed in their set lists because they play everything you want to hear.From one of the first songs they wrote as a band (“Living In America”) to their latest single (“Beatbox,” which, in my opinion, was the best song from last night) and everything in between.Every time that I see The Sounds I always leave thinking about how incredible lead singer Maja is, and though I did think she was as amazing as always, I was really taken back by how great the band is as a whole and was angry with myself for never really appreciating how great they have been in the past.

With the exception of a few rows in the mezzanine, the venue was packed and although it’s taken them a long time to get to this level of success in America, the band will be the first ones to point out that non stop touring has brought them to where they are today.I think the best part about being a fan of The Sounds is that I’ve watched them go from playing a small club in downtown Detroit with about 50 people to a sold out show in Los Angeles, and I’ve loved every minute of the ride.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Sorry for the late update, but I've been scrambling to find my ID so I can pick up my guestlist love at these concerts. Literally, left my ID at the Avalon on Monday when I saw Brazilian Girls and it is nowhere to be found (Avalon why haven't you called me back - WTF mate? - I mean, how did I pick up the tickets without my ID? That's not possible. Someone just thinks Brandon Dorsky is handsome or knows an underage kid that looks like him).

I thought I'd have the sit' resolved by last night - but didn't and couldn't get my tix for Noah & The Whale at The Roxy or get alcohol no less (sorry...but, I just found the Passport so I won't have either of those problems again). And, basically, this post is late because I spent a whole afternoon at the DMV getting a renewal...which isn't coming for another 10 fucking business days (are you serious CA? Why can't you just print it right there...it is a replacement).

But, on with the recommendations. Sticking with the initial suggestion in the CONCERT BLAST of Assembly of Dust for the jammers.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

If you were combing the Concert Blast or just happened to be in the know, you may have realized that Brazilian Girls were tearing up the Avalon last night. The trio hailing from New York (who perform as a quartet) put together a tight knit show, featuring some great visuals, a scantily clad Sabina Sciubba and some excellent drumming and keys.

The highlight for me was probably "Good Time"; Sabina looked beautiful in her La Perla-ish full body lingerie with her heart shaped cut-out on her chest and booty. Bouncing around stage and flirtatiously playing with the crowd, she made me feel really charmed just standing there. The eclectically mixed crowd got down - despite being a mix of those who knew BG music and those that didn't know it so well.

I unfortunately had to cut out a little early to make it over to Hunnypot - which was still popping well after the radio show was over. I heard from a bird that Old Californio put on a solid performance in the Hot Tub - so check them out here. That bird was Rob Weldon, manager of the rising (and fucking incredibly amazing) band Stone Foxes. You may have heard the Foxes song "Beneath Mt. Sinai" on Sons of Anarchy recently - and expect to be hearing more music from them soon as they will be in Los Angeles in late November for performances at both The Viper Room (11/19) and The Mint (11/21).

That about wraps up Monday - so lets take a look at what is going on in Los Angeles today.....

As usual, DIMMAK Tuesdays will be popping off at Cinespace with Dan Oh and Them Jeans with special guests for the night El Ten Eleven; Noah & The Whale will be melancholy grooving at The Roxy; Brother Ali will be exhibiting his dynamic lyrical abilities and exceptional stage presence at El Rey along with Evidence, BK One and Toki Wright; Grizzly Bear will be delivering a healthy dosage of the hippest indie music at Hollywood Palladium and Owl City will be making heads spin at their sold out Troubadour show.

If you want to check out something else, peep the below listing for who is playing where on Tuesday October 20th.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Check out the listing of today's shows around greater Los Angeles. It's Monday, so lots of stop will be free...but its not a Hunnypot Monday, so I won't necessarily be at Funkmosphere.

I'm planning on swinging down Sunset and stopping in the Viper Room to check out Chicago's Hey Champ. The synthy pop production team has a handful of gems in their repertoire and I hear their drummer is pretty good live. Come break it down with me and some other SUPERGOOD people on the historic venue's dance floor.

Friday, October 9, 2009

After a great midweek run of great shows featuring rising artists (Miike Snow/Jack Penate on Tuesday at Detroit Bar; Foster & The People, Odd Modern and Magic on Wax by Schpilkas at Dakota Lounge on Wednesday and Kesha and Brother Reade last night at Echo), SUPERGOODMUSIC is getting back to their funky roots this weekend.

Both Friday and Saturday, you will find me wilding out in my sweet feet on the Mint's dance-floor. Hard to miss the opportunity to see some of the finest in funk - and by that I mean, Leo Nocentelli of the Funky Meters, Stanton Moore of Galactic and Karl Denson of The Greyboy All-Stars.

Tonight, Leo and Stanton grace the stage for a performance they are calling "The Funky Meters Experience." DJ Rome will be opening at 8 pm, but the bayou stomp probably won't start until a little bit after that. I'd expect the Experience to play mostly Meters classics, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear a few other New Orleans flavored grooves, including some Galactic. All I 'm asking for is a "Trick Bag", and then my night will be set. That...and of course, Mr. Moore standing up behind the drums and beating them to shit.

Tomorrow, the sax funk doctor himself, Karl Denson will be going into new realms with his Tiny Universe. Amidst their reunion tour, after having been on hiatus for a few years, KDTU will most likely sell the place out AND crush the show. I'm excited because I've heard they've got some new material that features even strong vocals than their last work on The Bridge (if you remember, The Bridge showcased a much improved concentration on vocals - especially on songs like "Because of Her Beauty" and "Groove On"). If the new work is anything like some of my favorites from The Bridge, this new album will undoubtedly be in my heavy rotation. In addition to it being a reunion of an exceptional band, guitarist Brian Jordan, a former West LA resident, will be making his return to former stomping grounds of his (he frequented The Mint when he lived here). DJ Medi4 opens. BUY YOUR TIX IN ADVANCE AT THE MINT WEBSITE HERE - http://www.themintla.com/

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Tonight at Dakota Live Music Lounge, SUPERGOODMUSIC is hosting an eclectic blend of some of LA's hot young talents.

Kicking off the night, right around 9:30 pm, will be Foster & The People, featuring Cleveland native Mark Foster, the drummer from Malbec and a rising young hip-hop producer from Minnesota, Reazon. Their indie-electro-hip-soul blend is unique, fun and definitely worth seeing. Plus ladies, to top it all off, Foster is a sexy stud.

Then comes Odd Modern, the electro-indie-synth duo whose performance is highlighted by catchy lyrics, stellar drumming and an awesome lights show. If you can't dance to their music, you probably don't have feet.

Last but not least will be Magic on Wax by Schpilkas. Commonly known for his versatility and unique taste, he will be spinning styles ranging from Urban Alternative, Electronic all the way to Jazz. You can check out more about Schpilkas here.Hope to see you there tonight.

I forgot to mention I went to see Pollyn and Big Movesat The Roxy late night on Saturday. The show was a lot of fun. Although I came to see Pollyn, cause I'd heard good things, I found Big Moves to be entertaining. What the singer lacked in actual vocal chops, she more than made up for in animated performance and enthusiasm. She bounced all over stage, kicking out lyrics, commiserating with the crowd and dancing.

Pollyn was the real treat though - the 7 piece band, fronted by an attractive female singer and two attractive female back-up vocalists who both play trombone - seamlessly wove through their set that was highlighted by some great vocal melodies and a pretty fly female keyboardist. The vocal trio had pretty good chemistry and their voices complimented each other well. Although the females were the eye candy and ear candy that I remember, with the guys in the band holding down the rhythm section in the background, the whole performance was fun.

Go See Miike Snow and Jack Penate Next Time They Come To Town

I won't be able to hate on those of you who elect to go see Jack Penate and Miike Snow at Spaceland tonight over coming out to the SUPERGOODMUSIC night at Dakota Lounge. Those two acts have been exceptional the last few nights, and last night in Costa Mesa was even better than Sunday's performance at Echoplex (thank you for the hook up Brent!). Jack Penate played a cover of the Talking Heads"This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)." I apologize to anyone standing in the back of the room who was there when I went a bit apeshit over that reality (it just happens to be my favorite song, EVER).

Having to perform after a riveting JP show, Miike Snow again delivered huge. In the packed Detroit Bar, Snow churned out an even better version of "Silvia", "Plastic Jungle" and "Burial." The light show was even better in the tiny room and the smoke from the stage helped enhance the illuminating effect. The smaller room just made the whole show feel more intimate - even if the crowd was not filled with as many die-hard Miike Snow fans - so the pauses, and stage antics (removing the mask), were all cause for slightly more excitement.

Thank you JP and Miike Snow for 2 great shows this week - they will not be soon forgotten.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Sorry for the few hour delay in getting this out to you, but we were getting internet installed at the new SUPERGOODMUSIC offices. I think you'll find that this update is particularly rich. Lots of music listings, lots of awesome pictures and a serious notice to all music lovers that October 7th at Dakota Lounge is going to be some of the tastiest music you can find (Foster & The People, Odd Modern and Schpilkas).

Anyhow, last week was an incredible week of music in LA, at least by my standards. I saw many great acts, a handful of them whom are up and coming - and almost everyone I saw delivered something memorable.

September went out with a bang, first with Saint Motel on Monday night at their final performance of their Spaceland residency. The theme of the night was slasher and the band was decked with fake (or real?) blood and slashed clothing; the stage and bar were also thematically dressed. The band riffled through cuts from their new EP "For Play" and also played some new material. The night's rendition of "Dear Dictator" felt arranged in a slightly different way that I thought highlighted the guitar play a little more than the songs' great rhythmic drive. Nonetheless Dak and Greg were totally on fire (along with A/J and A Sharp). You can catch them in early November at The Roxy for a very special Black and White Film Affair. Tickets are on sale for the event now - just check the Roxy's site here.

Tuesday brought me to Cinespace for the always fresh DIMMAKTuesday party. I bumped into Mark Foster, the indie-soul crooner who is about to show LA just how dope he is on Wednesday at Dakota Live Music Lounge, before going into the venue and we got into a crazy discussion about vintage cars with some of those awesome DIMMAK doormen. When we got inside, we boogied to some DJs before heading to the backroom to check on Wallpaper.Wallpaper, whom I hadn't heard much about, whipped out a coupleof covers - including a smoking rendition of Montell Jordan's "This Is How We Do It." The band was also clad in matching 80s-esque outfits (gangsta gold chains included) and playing some of their tunes from their new album Doo Doo Face. While I enjoyed the nostalgia and the bands stage antics, the awkward, poorly timed, most likely a joke freestyle that came at the end of the early 90s tribute should be avoided next time in my opinion. That said, Wallpaper. certainly didn't disappoint.

Wednesday closed out the month - and thanks to the one and only J-Brains, better known as Justin Bain, I found myself at the El Rey forDataRock. I had the pleasure of seeing the show with rising pop artistKat Danson, who should be on your radar if she isn't already. The show wasn't jam packed, but it was a lot of fun. The visuals were pretty awesome - with the media men switching off between cartoon renditions of the band members to real footage. The stage play and energy was great - especially the drummer who appeared to be spanking his high hat at BPMs exceeding 200. To top it all off, they waxed poetic about the 80s and brought up a member of Devo.

October started off rough - both cause the move happened and cause I didn't get to see the shows I was anticipating seeing. Thursday I regrettably did not get out to see music because Warren G was cancelled :( Thanks for trying to make it happen The Roxy and Warren G, we hope you're alright.

Friday I wanted to go see Thom Yorke with Flea and the rest of his new troop at the secret show at Echoplex. Tickets went on sale on Friday at noon, and while I was all prepared at my computer to pick up some tickets, the overwhelming number of people trying to get tickets froze me out on all 3 of the computers SUPERGOODMUSIC was working on. Given the high amount of demand for the tickets, SGM regretably didn't get any guest list love either. All in all, the failure in getting tickets soured my attitude for going out to see music and I resolved to drowned my disappointment in tall boy PBRs.

Saturday, brought us to Eagle Rock Music Festival. The free event was home to the quintessential LA indie hipster crowd, swarms of teenagers who were happy to be at a free all ages event and a handsome showing of the 30 something families that have taken over Eagle Rock. Arriving at doors looked like a ghost-town on a movie set, but by about 6 pm the crowd had really filled out. I spent most of my time at the Ship Stage to see some upcoming artists - including The Amateurs, Alaskan Summer, Nico Stai and one of my favorites, The French Semester - who played some new material for a substantial crowd of toe-tappers and shoe-gazers. Those indie bands kept the crowd moving, especially the adorable kids who were beating the pavement and seemingly having the time of their young lives. You can check out a few brief video clips that were posted over at Big Things on Fire, including a brief one of The French Semester.

Sunday delivered one of the better shows I've seen recently with Jack Penate and Miike Snowat Echoplex. While it was not the sold out sweat box I expected to be (it was sold out, just not a sweatbox), the performance was everything that I expected and then some. First, I had no idea of Jack Penate's multiple talents. He knows how to carry his voice on stage and, while the crowd seemed to grow considerably for Miike Snow, it was clear that people were taking notice of JP. What JP didn't have in beatplay, Miike Snow more than made up for. Of course the crowd went crazy for "Animal", but the SGM crew was particularly impressed with the lengthy and unique version of Silvia (it was like 10 minutes). Hopefully we get a similarly spectacular performance from them on Tuesday in Costa Mesa!

As usual, you will find this weeks listing of shows to your right and my specific recommendations below. If a show is in bold, it means, for some reason or another, I am suggesting you check out their performance. Maybe they've got great stage presence, maybe their single is going to be the next big thing, maybe they just do something crazy and ridiculous that you don't see other bands do? If I've bolded it and discussed it in my recommendations, than there is a good chance that I will be at the show or some other SUPERGOODMUSIC representative will be there.

Dance. Let's Shout. Shake our bodies down to the ground....

Brandon "Boom D" DorskyFounder, SUPERGOODMUSIC

Come out on Wednesday night and support the westside music scene as well as some of LA's best rising young artists.

The talented Mark Fosterwill be joined by his new band for the first ever performance of Foster & The People. Word on the street is that producer, and Minnesota native, Reazon is going to make an appearance during their show and bring some of his creative beat skills to the stage.

After The People, Odd Modern, a funky indie synth electronic pop duo from the east side will be putting their stamp on Dakota. Their performance is seriously enhanced by the drum synched lights show that accompanies it. It sort of has to be seen to be witnessed and their track "Tipsy Dancer" will certainly make you want to have a Rum & Coke, maybe even chased by rum shots...

Last to perform will be the funky DJ Schpilkas. Spinning an eclectic mix of the greatest music only half of you will have heard of, he'll open your ears to the new, the hip, the dope and the obscure. You'll be overwhelmed with his dopeness you may just clear all of that schpilkas out of your genectigazoink.

If all that is not enough to get your ass out the door and into Dakota Live Music Lounge - the SUPERGOODMUSIC crew will be there to make it worth your while :)

Tonight there are many rising artists worth checking out. On the westside, you've got the hustler with the fur in his cap, Rob Roy, representing for Dub Frequency at Hunnypot Unlimited. You will find me there, along with the other cool Hunnypot staples. Midtown, at Molly Malones, the talented Gustavo Galindo will be singing and plucking before Mitch Allan & Guests take the stage. On the east side,Correatown is kicking off their residency at Echo with their whole indie posse.

For those who are scalpers, could afford a scalped ticket or just fortunately got through to the website, Thom Yorke is playing a show with his newly formed band at Orpheum Theater.

TUESDAY

I was so impressed with Miike Snow last night that I am swinging down to Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa to see them perform again. It is a no brainer decision for me - the vibe was just intoxicating. I jumped on the opportunity despite really wanting to go see Lotus and Break Science(feat. Adam Deitch) at The Roxy on the "Pay What You Want" tour. I'm not claiming you can get in for free - but the whole "Pay What You Want" concept is like the Radiohead model of concert going. If you've got the time you should definitely go check it out - Break Science's Adam Deitch is one of the best drummers around.

The Breakestra, a great live funk band, will be celebrating their record release at El Rey along with DJ Jeremy Sole and some other spinners of funk.

WEDNESDAY

Of course SUPERGOODMUSIC will be at SUPERGOODMUSIC Presents: Foster & The People, Odd Modernand Magic on Wax by Schpilkas at the Dakota Live Music Lounge. We'll be there because, not only are we hosting the event, but it will be the best available music in town on humpday bar-none (Jack Penate & Miike Snow will probably put up a good fight at their sold out show at Spaceland...but, unless you have a ticket, that's not really available music).

Get there before 9:30 and its $5. Get there after 9:30 and you'll be sad you weren't there to hear all of Foster & The People's set. See all your pretty faces there!

THURSDAY

RCA will undoubtedly be amped for Kesha's performance on Thursday - and the SUPERGOODMUSIC crew will be there to show support too. Although Boom Bip dropped off the ball, with Har Mar Superstar and the recent addition of Brother Reade, Echo kept the ticket pretty hot. If you like funky spunky pop or you like being sprayed with glitter, Kesha just might be the act for you.

Of course, there will be plenty of other music to check out. From the jammier side of things, ALO's Zach Gill will be playing at The Mint along with String Cheese Incident's Kyle Hollingsworth. Also, Eric McFadden Trio will be hitting up Genghis Cohen for an intimate performance. On the indie tip, The Cartographers, another rising artist, will be performing at the John Hughes Tribute Show at The Viper Room...so break out your best Pretty In Pink or Breakfast Club like outfit and dance your ass off on Sunset Blvd.

On FRIDAY, a really tough decision is going to have to be made. The always amazing Stanton Moore (Galactic, Garage A Trois) will be playing with The Funky Meters Leo Neocentelli at The Mint for what is sure to be some gritty New Orleans flavored funk. While I doubt the musicianship will be better anywhere else in town, I'm not sure I can pass up an opportunity to go catch Chromeo's DJ set at Club 740. I am just loving Chromeo's new song "Night By Night" and would love to hear the record spun at a club.

Elsewhere, good options include - Fool's Gold, Metronomy and Destructo who will be rocking out The Roxy;Groundation will be reggaefying the Key Club and Steve Earle and Tom Morello & The Nightwatchmen kick off their 3 day run at the Troubadour.

SATURDAY

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe returns to LA (their guitarist, Brian Jordan, used to live in West LA) and brings their live funk party to The Mint. I will be there because Denson, who plays sax for The Greyboy All-Stars, KDTU and Lenny Kravitz, is not only an exceptional musician but a really, really nice guy. Having spent time with him in the past, I would never miss an opportunity to see him tear the roof off of a venue, let alone a small room like The Mint. If you love alto sex, tenor sex or even flute - then you should not miss this show.

If it ends early, maybe there will be a trip to Funky Sole for some free funk at the Echo.

If funk isn't your thing - Jason Mraz, G. Love & Special Sauce and Brett Dennen are playing at the Hollywood Bowl.

SUNDAY

Haven't decided where to head yet, but Tom Morello & The Nighwatchmen is high on my list of acts to see. As they will be closing their 3 day Troub run, it might be the perfect night to go. Alternatively, just North on Sunset Blvd. - Rockstar Karaoke will be benefitting a good cause at The Roxy and People Under The Stairs will bring their dope-hop to Key Club.

Bring on the funk, bring on the noise and bring your ass to Dakota Live Music Lounge on Wednesday or you will regret it.

Totally 80s Party Pictures - The Full Dosage

So, we have officially relocated, albeit just 3.5 blocks away from the old digs. While we'll have to rock out strong in the new place, and undoubtedly we will...I'm still thrilled with the turn out from last week and the pictures only solidify the great time that was had. CHECK EM OUT....